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WINK News Loses Three Meteorologists in Two Months
Departures of Matt Devitt, Nikki Sheaks, and Greg Rule leave Southwest Florida station's weather team in flux.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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WINK News in Southwest Florida has experienced a major shakeup in its weather department, with three meteorologists departing the station in just the first two months of 2026. The abrupt exits of Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt, Nikki Sheaks, and Greg Rule have left viewers frustrated and the station needing to rebuild its weather team.
Why it matters
Viewers rely on familiar, trusted meteorologists to provide accurate weather forecasts, and the rapid turnover at WINK has disrupted that relationship. The station will need to quickly rebuild its weather team to regain viewer confidence and continue providing the community with essential weather information.
The details
Matt Devitt, WINK's Chief Meteorologist for a decade, was fired in January 2026 amid reports of contract violations and heated arguments about work breaks. The news sparked a backlash from viewers on social media. That same month, Nikki Sheaks also left the station, taking a new job in Palm Beach. Then in mid-February, Greg Rule announced his departure, making it clear he wasn't fired but was leaving on good terms after six years at WINK.
- In January 2026, Matt Devitt was fired as WINK's Chief Meteorologist.
- Also in January 2026, Nikki Sheaks left WINK to take a new job in Palm Beach.
- On February 20, 2026, Greg Rule announced his departure from WINK, with his last day being that same date.
The players
Matt Devitt
Former Chief Meteorologist at WINK News who was fired in January 2026 after a decade with the station.
Nikki Sheaks
Former WINK News meteorologist who left the station in January 2026 to take a new job in Palm Beach.
Greg Rule
Former WINK News meteorologist who announced his departure from the station in mid-February 2026, stating it was his choice to leave and that he was doing so on good terms.
WINK News
A television news station serving the Southwest Florida region.
What’s next
WINK News will need to quickly hire new meteorologists to rebuild its weather team and regain viewer trust in the station's weather coverage.
The takeaway
The rapid turnover of meteorologists at WINK News has left viewers frustrated and the station in a difficult position, needing to quickly rebuild its weather team to continue providing the community with essential weather information. This shakeup highlights the importance of viewer-meteorologist relationships and the challenges stations can face when trusted faces depart.
